Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Department of Defense released the 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence by denial against China along the First Island Chain. The strategy requires allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and notably omits Taiwan, creating ambiguity in U.S. commitments. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is funded at ten billion dollars for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a shift in U.S. military focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.

Marcus ChenMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

In 2026, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2,000 soldiers to combat terrorism in West Africa, while the Sahel States Alliance operates a joint military force of 5,000. The region faces unprecedented terrorist threats, with over half of global terrorism-related deaths occurring in West Africa. Tensions between ECOWAS and the Sahel States Alliance are rising, complicating regional security efforts.

Marie DuboisMon Mar 02 2026Loading...

The Pentagon released its 2026 National Defense Strategy, emphasizing deterrence against China and reallocating resources for military engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The strategy allocates an additional $12.6 billion to counter Chinese military build-up, while Taiwan's absence from priority areas raises concerns. Regional allies express varied responses, reflecting their own security concerns and interpretations of U.S. commitments.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The SR-71 Blackbird conducted reconnaissance missions over Libya in 1986, successfully evading over 4,000 surface-to-air missiles during Operation El Dorado Canyon. The aircraft, built primarily from titanium, achieved speeds exceeding Mach 3.2 at altitudes above 80,000 feet, providing critical intelligence on Libyan targets. Its innovative design allowed it to withstand extreme temperatures generated during high-speed flight.

The 2026 National Defense Strategy outlines a shift in U.S. military priorities towards deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing homeland defense while calling for increased defense spending from allies. Notably, Taiwan is not explicitly mentioned, raising concerns about U.S. commitment. The strategy aims to enhance U.S. military presence and capabilities in the region to counter China's influence.

Marcus ChenSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

ECOWAS announced plans to deploy 2000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to combat jihadist threats in West Africa, particularly from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM). Concurrently, the Sahel Alliance, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has a joint force of 6000 soldiers. Recent attacks, including the use of kamikaze drones by JNIM in Togo, highlight the escalating threat. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Russian and American military forces in the region.

Marie DuboisSun Mar 01 2026Loading...

The Israeli Air Force is conducting airstrikes against over 30 targets in Western and Central Iran, including air defense systems, missile launchers, and military command centers. This operation was confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces on March 1.

U.S. Central Command deployed LUCAS drones in Operation Epic Fury, marking their combat debut against Iranian targets. In retaliation, Iran launched Shahed drone strikes on U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, causing minimal damage. The U.S. continues to develop low-cost drones while facing limitations in missile stockpiles and production capabilities.

China has established a robust Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) strategy that protects its aircraft carrier fleet and deters U.S. Navy operations in the Indo-Pacific. This strategy utilizes a dense inventory of Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs) and hypersonic missiles, forcing U.S. carriers to operate from a distance. The geographical advantages and advanced missile systems give China a significant edge in any potential maritime conflict.

The Israeli Air Force completed airstrikes on March 1 against Iranian missile launchers and air defense systems in central and western Iran. The strikes targeted previously unlisted launch sites and aimed to disrupt missile launches towards Israeli territory, significantly impacting Iran's offensive capabilities.

The Israeli Air Force is conducting airstrikes on Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems in Central Iran on the evening of the 28th. This operation was announced by the Israeli Defense Forces.

The U.S. announced a $12.6 billion investment in surveillance and deterrence operations in the Indo-Pacific on February 24, 2026, amid growing concerns over China's military expansion. This includes the launch of Cobra Gold 2026, a multilateral military exercise in Thailand involving 8,000 personnel from 30 nations. The AUKUS partnership is also progressing with submarine cooperation, enhancing regional security efforts.

Marcus ChenSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The Sahel States Alliance (AES) became fully operational with 6,000 troops on February 27, 2026, following a strategic meeting in Ouagadougou. This force aims to counter intensified jihadist operations by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in the region. Concurrently, the Mali army conducted successful airstrikes against JNIM fighters, demonstrating increased military capabilities. The CEDEAO is also planning to deploy a smaller force to address regional security threats.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

JNIM launched a series of coordinated large-scale assaults in Burkina Faso in February 2026, resulting in over 130 casualties. The attacks focused on strategic areas, including Titao and Fada N'Gourma, highlighting the weaknesses in the Burkinabè military's counter-insurgency strategy. This offensive indicates a tactical adjustment by JNIM, which is also expanding its influence into neighboring countries.

Marie DuboisSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

China's H-20 stealth bomber is anticipated to challenge U.S. air dominance in the Indo-Pacific, particularly targeting transit hubs like Guam. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is developing the H-20 to enhance its regional military capabilities, with operational deployment expected in the next few years. This development signals a shift in military dynamics, as the U.S. assesses China's capabilities as primarily regional for now.

Debate continues over the SR-71 Blackbird's speed capabilities, with former pilots claiming it exceeded Mach 3.5 during missions. Developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War, the aircraft was designed for strategic reconnaissance, flying at altitudes above 80,000 feet. Its officially published cruising speed is Mach 3.2, but some suggest it could operate faster under certain conditions. The aircraft's design prioritized speed to evade enemy defenses.

The Russian Air Force operates approximately 15 Su-57 aircraft, which are under scrutiny for their stealth capabilities compared to the F-35 and F-22. Algeria has reportedly ordered 14 Su-57s, but delivery is uncertain due to Russian production delays. Experts highlight the Su-57's significantly larger radar cross-section, questioning its classification as a stealth fighter.

The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence against China, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and a $10 billion budget for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. It calls for a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain and encourages allies to assume greater defense responsibilities. The strategy reflects a shift in tone towards seeking a 'decent peace' with China while maintaining a commitment to regional security.

Marcus ChenFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

The U.S. Africa Command deployed 100 military advisors to Nigeria in February 2026 to train local forces in counter-terrorism operations amid a significant increase in jihadist violence in the Nigeria-Benin-Niger border area. The report notes a 262% rise in militant-related deaths from 2024 to 2025, with groups like JNIM and ISSP expanding their influence. U.S. precision strikes against ISSP in Sokoto were conducted in December 2025, reflecting a strategic repositioning in response to growing threats.

Marie DuboisFri Feb 27 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin is upgrading the F-22 Raptor with stealthy external fuel tanks and infrared search-and-track pods to enhance its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron conducted interoperability training with the B-2 Spirit bomber. These upgrades aim to improve the F-22's range and sensor fusion to compete with China's advanced stealth fighters. The U.S. Air Force is focusing on enhancing the F-22's performance in response to evolving threats.